Action group brands insurers' focus on lack of specific pandemic cover 'a diversionary tactic'

Insurers’ repeated argument that policies were not intended to cover pandemics has been described as “a diversionary tactic” on the third day of the Financial Conduct Authority’s business interruption test case.

Philip Edey QC, who is representing the Hospitality Insurance Group Action, made the comment as he argued that notifiable disease clauses within QBE and RSA policies respond to coronavirus pandemic.

The HIGA is one of two claimant action groups that successfully applied to participate in the hearing, the other being the Hiscox Action Group, from whom the court is expected to hear tomorrow.

“Focusing, as insurers are wont to do, on the word ‘pandemic’, as if it is some magical thing wholly